The Dallas Cowboys are in the market for a backup quarterback for Tony Romo and both Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III have been mentioned as potential options for the team. Troy Aikman was asked about the situation and whether Jerry Jones would add one of those players and the former Cowboys QB said that he thinks one of the two will end up on the roster.
The Cowboys dealt with injuries to Romo last season and his absence spotlighted the glaring weakness that was the backup quarterback position. Jones and Jason Garrett felt that the team was talented enough to make the playoffs with a backup playing for Romo, but Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel and Kellen Moore did not get the job done. That has led many around the NFL to believe that the Cowboys are going to make a move to add a quarterback behind Romo this offseason, potentially through the draft, a trade or in free agency.
The team expects Romo to be back healthy after having multiple surgeries on his collarbone, but those injuries showed the Cowboys that they have to prepare for the inevitable future of life without Romo. Romo likely has a few more good years as the starting quarterback if he remains healthy, but the Cowboys will have to find a replacement at some point and developing a quarterback could be the answer to that.
The Cowboys have the number four overall pick in the draft this year and players like Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch could be available options. The team has also been rumored to be interested in both Manziel and Griffin, which would add some star power behind Romo at the backup spot. Manziel and Griffin are Texas natives and according to Charles Robinson at Yahoo Sports, both players are hoping to end up with the Cowboys this offseason.
The team may look at the draft for options this year, while free agency and trades also could be potential avenues to find a solid backup. Jones spoke about the situation to 105.3 the Fan earlier in the month and said that the team would be willing to take a chance on some "young backup quarterbacks available this off-season who come with some risk." Jones did not mention anyone by name, but Pro Football Talk filled in the blanks, mentioning RG3 and Manziel as possible options.
Griffin is expected to be released by the Redskins over the team paying his $16 million option, while Manziel appears to be done in Cleveland. New head coach Hue Jackson has spoken about the team getting another quarterback and that could put an end to Manziel starting with the Browns. The Cowboys are likely going to get a new backup for Romo, but it remains to be seen if it will be Griffin, Manziel or a prospect in the draft.
